The Fool's Discontent, Part I

I wrote most of this over a year ago, and haven't laid a finger on it in several months. To my eyes most of it looks rather lame. But that's only natural, I guess, given that it wasn't made yesterday.

So now I'm throwing it out there. Seven parts. The seventh part is best. The rest? Well, let's just say it essentially works as a multi-way comment on a certain subject. The subject? If it doesn't become clear then it's probably not relevant to you...

The Fool's Discontent

I.

And have you waited for this?

A brimming stronghold of the minds
All so neatly unaligned
In step in rhyme in time
  Behind the toll-gate
  Where knowledge waits
  On silver, gold and plastic plates
And all who would feast
On that which thought brings
Or just pleasant things
Must pass through this gate

Oh, but you!
You of open heart and liquid thought
“So much is here that could be bought”
Your smiling guide intones
“Dip your hand in the courtyard well for a vision
Of all we hope shall soon be yours to hold
See! How pure and clear the fragile sunrise
Shines, dissected and explained. And hear
The living breath of music fastened to
The page. And watch the colors all come out
And you’ve seen black and white and blue and green
Now marvel at the splendor of true gray!”

And speaking he recedes
Through the heavy doors
The eager open doors
You look out one more time
Past the wall and gate
Over the open lea
To the black forest hills
All at once the fire burns!
and dreaming of the sun you turn…
But you, they always said that you know best.

So enter now and long stay set
On slumber, peace, and happiness
And falter not as I have done
Yet there is no one race to run
And I am waiting here